Mohamed Salah celebrates after scoring Liverpool's second goal in their 2-0 Premier League win at Brighton on Saturday, March 12, 2012. Getty
Mohamed Salah celebrates after scoring Liverpool's second goal in their 2-0 Premier League win at Brighton on Saturday, March 12, 2012. Getty
Luis Diaz scores the first goal of the game. PA
Luis Diaz scores the first goal of the game. PA
Luis Diaz scores Liverpool's first goal at Beighton. AP
Luis Diaz scores Liverpool's first goal at Beighton. AP
Mohamad Salah scores from the spot for Liverpool. Getty
Mohamad Salah scores from the spot for Liverpool. Getty
Liverpool attacker Luis Diaz under pressure from Brighton's Alexis Mac Allister. AP
Liverpool attacker Luis Diaz under pressure from Brighton's Alexis Mac Allister. AP
Liverpool's Sadio Mane shoots at goal. Reuters
Liverpool's Sadio Mane shoots at goal. Reuters
Mohamed Salah scores from the penalty spot. Getty
Mohamed Salah scores from the penalty spot. Getty
Salah celebrates after scoring. AP
Salah celebrates after scoring. AP
Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez checks on Luis Diaz after colliding with the attacker following Liverpool's opening goal.
Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez checks on Luis Diaz after colliding with the attacker following Liverpool's opening goal.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp with goalkeeper Alisson Becker after the match. AP
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp with goalkeeper Alisson Becker after the match. AP

Sport

Football

Jurgen Klopp calls on Liverpool to 'attack it, chase it, go for it' ahead of Arsenal clash

Merseyside club can cut Manchester City's lead at top of Premier League down to single point if they beat the Gunners on Wednesday

Richard Jolly
Richard Jolly

March 15, 2022

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Jurgen Klopp does not often get the chance to watch many of his rivals in real time. He tuned in to watch Manchester City on Monday – for analysis reasons, he said, and understandably given that they could meet four times in April – but only for 65 minutes. “I was surprised when I saw the result,” he said.

Crystal Palace had secured a stalemate and reframed the title race. Liverpool could close the gap to Manchester City to a solitary point with victory at Arsenal on Wednesday. It left Klopp sounding more bullish about Liverpool’s prospects. “Now everything is in front of us: attack it, chase it, go for it,” he said.

City are still the favourites, he readily concedes, but Liverpool intend to irritate them. “That is the plan, that we keep being as annoying as possible but we have to win our football games,” he said. “It is final after final after final after final after final after final that we play. If I sit here and say we win 10 games that doesn’t sound very likely but as long as it is possible, we will give it a proper try.”

And Liverpool have won their last eight in the Premier League. He has identified a few “especially tough” games in the run-in. One is against an Arsenal side who have reeled off five straight victories in the top flight themselves.

It is, Mikel Arteta thinks, they best they have consistently played since his arrival. Having ended August in last place, they are fourth now and with games in hand; one complication is that their rearranged fixtures will also include Chelsea and Tottenham. They come laced with danger and a manager whose side have already dropped out of the Champions League places once this season is sounding cautious.

“We haven’t done anything [yet],” the Spaniard said. “There are better teams in the country because that's what the league table shows.” The results show that Arsenal have the wrong sort of 100 per cent record against the three above them: played four, lost four. The second heaviest defeat of their season came at Anfield in November when Liverpool won 4-0.

The biggest difference since then, Arteta said, was “it’s five months later.” It has been a transformative time and City required an injury-time goal to defeat Arsenal in January. “We have the right level of confidence, belief and understanding with each other and everything clicks better and quicker,” Arteta added.

Brighton 0 Liverpool 2: player ratings

BRIGHTON RATINGS: Robert Sanchez - 4 The Spaniard was lucky to escape a red card when he levelled Diaz as the Portuguese opened the scoring. If he had been quicker off the line, he might have reached the ball before the man. AP
BRIGHTON RATINGS: Robert Sanchez - 4 The Spaniard was lucky to escape a red card when he levelled Diaz as the Portuguese opened the scoring. If he had been quicker off the line, he might have reached the ball before the man. AP
Tariq Lamptey - 4 The 21-year-old was neutralised going forward by Robertson. He also let Diaz run free before the opening goal. Reuters
Tariq Lamptey - 4 The 21-year-old was neutralised going forward by Robertson. He also let Diaz run free before the opening goal. Reuters
Joel Veltman - 5 The Dutchman was bemused by Liverpool’s pace and movement and was often caught in the wrong position. There was too much space between him and Lamptey. Reuters
Joel Veltman - 5 The Dutchman was bemused by Liverpool’s pace and movement and was often caught in the wrong position. There was too much space between him and Lamptey. Reuters
Lewis Dunk - 5 The 30-year-old appeared to be a yard short of the pace that was required to control the Liverpool attack. He was solid in the air. PA
Lewis Dunk - 5 The 30-year-old appeared to be a yard short of the pace that was required to control the Liverpool attack. He was solid in the air. PA
Marc Cucurella - 5 The Spaniard was efficient against a sub-par Salah but was poor in possession. He was unable to generate any threat going forward. Reuters
Marc Cucurella - 5 The Spaniard was efficient against a sub-par Salah but was poor in possession. He was unable to generate any threat going forward. Reuters
Steven Alzate - 3 The Colombian struggled to make an impact. The game bypassed him and he made way for Lallana at half time. Getty
Steven Alzate - 3 The Colombian struggled to make an impact. The game bypassed him and he made way for Lallana at half time. Getty
Yves Bissouma - 5 The 25-year-old was combative in the midfield and made the opposition work in the first half. He was less effective after the break and gave away a needless penalty. Welbeck replaced him in the 66th minute. Getty
Yves Bissouma - 5 The 25-year-old was combative in the midfield and made the opposition work in the first half. He was less effective after the break and gave away a needless penalty. Welbeck replaced him in the 66th minute. Getty
Alexis Mac Allister - 4 The Argentinian showed some nice touches but almost all were in areas that did not hurt Liverpool. In the final third his passes went astray. Getty
Alexis Mac Allister - 4 The Argentinian showed some nice touches but almost all were in areas that did not hurt Liverpool. In the final third his passes went astray. Getty
Leandro Trossard - 5 The Belgian hurtled around the pitch but did not get on the ball enough. He blasted a good chance over the bar just after half time. Getty
Leandro Trossard - 5 The Belgian hurtled around the pitch but did not get on the ball enough. He blasted a good chance over the bar just after half time. Getty
Solly March - 5 The winger started to trouble Liverpool late in the game but could not produce a telling pass. The result was no longer in question by the time he started playing. Reuters
Solly March - 5 The winger started to trouble Liverpool late in the game but could not produce a telling pass. The result was no longer in question by the time he started playing. Reuters
Neal Maupay - 4 The Frenchman left his foot in on Alisson late on and was given a yellow card. It was emblematic of his game. He was repeatedly a split-second too late to the ball. Action Images
Neal Maupay - 4 The Frenchman left his foot in on Alisson late on and was given a yellow card. It was emblematic of his game. He was repeatedly a split-second too late to the ball. Action Images
SUBS: Adam Lallana - 3 The former Liverpool player came on for Alzate at half time and lasted just eight minutes before limping off injured. Gross replaced him. PA
SUBS: Adam Lallana - 3 The former Liverpool player came on for Alzate at half time and lasted just eight minutes before limping off injured. Gross replaced him. PA
Pascal Gross - 4 The German entered the game in the 53rd minute. He might have remained on the bench for all the impact he had on proceedings. Getty
Pascal Gross - 4 The German entered the game in the 53rd minute. He might have remained on the bench for all the impact he had on proceedings. Getty
Danny Welbeck - 6 The 31-year-old replaced Bissouma with 24 minutes to go. He was lively and tested Alisson with a header. Action Images
Danny Welbeck - 6 The 31-year-old replaced Bissouma with 24 minutes to go. He was lively and tested Alisson with a header. Action Images
LIVERPOOL RATINGS: Alisson Becker - 7 The Brazilian had little to do but made a superb save late on from Welbeck. He showed his intelligence when he collected the ball with his body outside the area but with his hands inside the box. Action Images
LIVERPOOL RATINGS: Alisson Becker - 7 The Brazilian had little to do but made a superb save late on from Welbeck. He showed his intelligence when he collected the ball with his body outside the area but with his hands inside the box. Action Images
Trent Alexander-Arnold - 7 The 23-year-old was largely in control of his flank. His distribution was not as creative as usual but he used the ball well. March gave him some trouble late on. Getty
Trent Alexander-Arnold - 7 The 23-year-old was largely in control of his flank. His distribution was not as creative as usual but he used the ball well. March gave him some trouble late on. Getty
Joel Matip - 8 The 30-year-old was at the top of his game, snuffing out danger with a series of tackles and interceptions. His pass to Diaz for the opening goal was sublime. Getty
Joel Matip - 8 The 30-year-old was at the top of his game, snuffing out danger with a series of tackles and interceptions. His pass to Diaz for the opening goal was sublime. Getty
Virgil van Dijk - 7 The Dutchman dominated in the air and was assured on the ground. He read the game superbly and saw danger before it unfolded. AP
Virgil van Dijk - 7 The Dutchman dominated in the air and was assured on the ground. He read the game superbly and saw danger before it unfolded. AP
Andrew Robertson - 7 The Scot is developing a fine understanding with Diaz. He was incisive going forward and assured when defending. Getty
Andrew Robertson - 7 The Scot is developing a fine understanding with Diaz. He was incisive going forward and assured when defending. Getty
Fabinho - 6 A low-key effort from the Brazilian. He was not as quick to the ball as usual and drifted out of the game for periods. AP
Fabinho - 6 A low-key effort from the Brazilian. He was not as quick to the ball as usual and drifted out of the game for periods. AP
Jordan Henderson - 7 The captain was busy and eager and combined well with Salah. Milner replaced him with four minutes to go. Action Images
Jordan Henderson - 7 The captain was busy and eager and combined well with Salah. Milner replaced him with four minutes to go. Action Images
Naby Keita – 7 The Guinean pressed hard and was neat on the ball. He was effective but made way for Thiago in the 65th minute. Getty
Naby Keita – 7 The Guinean pressed hard and was neat on the ball. He was effective but made way for Thiago in the 65th minute. Getty
Mohamed Salah - 7 The Egyptian hit the bar with a deflected effort and scored from the penalty spot to take his goal tally to 20 in the league. Even so, he was not at his best and he limped off to be replaced by Jota in the 65th minute. Getty
Mohamed Salah - 7 The Egyptian hit the bar with a deflected effort and scored from the penalty spot to take his goal tally to 20 in the league. Even so, he was not at his best and he limped off to be replaced by Jota in the 65th minute. Getty
Sadio Mane - 8 The Senegalese was on fine form, even though he rarely threatened to score. His movement ensured the defence could never relax. PA
Sadio Mane - 8 The Senegalese was on fine form, even though he rarely threatened to score. His movement ensured the defence could never relax. PA
Luis Diaz - 8 The Colombian was a handful. His brave goal was the highlight of a performance full of guile and threat. PA
Luis Diaz - 8 The Colombian was a handful. His brave goal was the highlight of a performance full of guile and threat. PA
SUBS: Thiago Alcantara - 6 The 30-year-old joined the action in the 65th minute for Keita. He produced one sublime pass but found it hard to get to the pace of the game. Reuters
SUBS: Thiago Alcantara - 6 The 30-year-old joined the action in the 65th minute for Keita. He produced one sublime pass but found it hard to get to the pace of the game. Reuters
Diogo Jota - 6 The Portuguese replaced Salah with 25 minutes to go. His first touch let him down and he had little influence on the match. Getty
Diogo Jota - 6 The Portuguese replaced Salah with 25 minutes to go. His first touch let him down and he had little influence on the match. Getty
James Milner - 6 The 36-year-old came on for Henderson with four minutes to go. As usual, he put himself about during this short cameo. AP
James Milner - 6 The 36-year-old came on for Henderson with four minutes to go. As usual, he put himself about during this short cameo. AP

“A big name, back on track,” praised Klopp. “Other teams may not like it.” He has liked what he has seen of the Arteta revolution. “I see them playing now: clear structure, clear idea, proper team, really well tuned,” he said. “It is possession based and young, full of talent, full of joy.”

If it is a mutual admiration society, Liverpool could represent role models for Arsenal. “They have created a huge cultural understanding of who Liverpool is,” Arteta said.

Part of Liverpool’s identity stems from their top scorer. Mohamed Salah limped off at Brighton on Saturday with a minor foot injury but has not missed a game due to injury since 2019. He has been passed fit. “Mo is a tough cookie,” Klopp said. As Salah has preyed on Arsenal in the past, it may not be good news for them but Liverpool beat the Gunners in the Carabao Cup semi-final without both the Egyptian and Sadio Mane.

Now they have their eyes on a bigger prize. “We want to be in and around these most decisive moments,” Klopp said. “We really enjoy it a lot. But it is intense as well so it is not a holiday trip but we enjoy that as well.”

Navdeep Suri, India's Ambassador to the UAE

There has been a longstanding need from the Indian community to have a religious premises where they can practise their beliefs. Currently there is a very, very small temple in Bur Dubai and the community has outgrown this. So this will be a major temple and open to all denominations and a place should reflect India’s diversity.

It fits so well into the UAE’s own commitment to tolerance and pluralism and coming in the year of tolerance gives it that extra dimension.

What we will see on April 20 is the foundation ceremony and we expect a pretty broad cross section of the Indian community to be present, both from the UAE and abroad. The Hindu group that is building the temple will have their holiest leader attending – and we expect very senior representation from the leadership of the UAE.

When the designs were taken to the leadership, there were two clear options. There was a New Jersey model with a rectangular structure with the temple recessed inside so it was not too visible from the outside and another was the Neasden temple in London with the spires in its classical shape. And they said: look we said we wanted a temple so it should look like a temple. So this should be a classical style temple in all its glory.

It is beautifully located - 30 minutes outside of Abu Dhabi and barely 45 minutes to Dubai so it serves the needs of both communities.

This is going to be the big temple where I expect people to come from across the country at major festivals and occasions.

It is hugely important – it will take a couple of years to complete given the scale. It is going to be remarkable and will contribute something not just to the landscape in terms of visual architecture but also to the ethos. Here will be a real representation of UAE’s pluralism.

Updated: March 15, 2022, 3:22 PM
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